A PUBLIC inquiry will take place after Tesco appealed against Kirklees Council’s rejection of a store in Holmfirth.

The inquiry will begin on July 2 at 10am and is expected to take place over five non-consecutive days at the Media Centre in Huddersfield.

It means a planning inspector will determine if Tesco can build on the Midlothian Garage site, off New Mill Road in Holmfirth.

Appeal papers have been lodged by Tesco and Kirklees Council.

Kirklees rejected the supermarket plans last July on the grounds the proposed development “by virtue of its scale and location is considered to constitute unsustainable and socially exclusive development”.

Refusal focused on the “severe impact” of the predicted traffic generated by the development.

They said access for shoppers without a car was “poor” and ruled Tesco failed to pass the sequential test, as there is at least one potentially suitable, available and viable edge-of-centre site within the catchment area.

Tesco says in its appeal: “It is the view of the appellant that the reasons cited by Kirklees Council in refusing permission for the development are unjustified.”

Tesco says it could comply with National Planning Policy Framework on the refusal grounds.

Tesco’s appeal adds: “It will be shown that the proposal constitutes sustainable development and that it will bring substantial economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Kirklees planning officers recommended that councillors refused the application when it was heard on July 20 last year.Sitting before a packed public gallery at Huddersfield Town Hall, councillors agreed with officers and rejected it.

Kirklees Council, in its statement to the planning inspector, says: “The Local Planning Authority will outline a number of sites that were previously identified and agreed as part of the sequential test search, and show that there is at least one edge-of-centre site within the agreed store’s catchment area (the Honley Highway depot/Keith Drakes site) that is suitable, available and viable to accommodate a similar development.”

It adds they will refer to Government planning policy advice which “states unequivocally that where an application fails the sequential test, it should be refused.”

THE arguments for and against Tesco Holmfirth will be heard by planning inspector John Gray, who will consider the application on policy grounds.

The public inquiry starts on July 2 and sits on July 3, 9, 10 and 11.

The plan caused division among residents in Holmfirth and further afield.

Tim Radcliffe of the Holme Valley Voices group said: “I think a public inquiry is the right way forward for the valley and I hope common sense prevails and it’s passed.

“I think opinion should be listened to, surveys have been done and shows 72.6% are in favour, the Examiner has run surveys and the results are similar. I think it shows what the people want.”

A spokesperson for Keep Holmfirth Special said: “It is regretted that Tesco did not respect the view of Kirklees councillors, nor those of Holmfirth’s Parish Councillors.

“Tesco apparently thought the committee to be mistaken so lodged its appeal. It is now up to one person, the planning inspector, to make the final decision.

“We have every faith in Mr Gray’s ability to weigh the facts and evidence and to reach a decision that is in the best, long-term interests of all residents in the Holme Valley and Kirklees.”

Clr Mehboob Khan, leader of Kirklees, said: “I think the Government should use the opportunity in the Queen’s Speech to reform the planning system. It takes so long for a decision to be made for an appeal, both the objectors and the applicants can be waiting months, in rare cases, sometimes years for a final decision.

“Also I think the appeal system is loaded unfairly in favour of the developer. Had Tesco been given approval local objectors and businesses have no right of appeal. It’s not fair when the applicant does have the right.”

He voiced his support of council officers and said that while “Kirklees is open for business” planners have a responsibility to get it right for residents.

“I’d encourage local objectors and businesses concerned about the impact of a Tesco in Holmfirth to register an interest with the planning inspector and give evidence first hand,” he added.